Toothbrush



E. H. GENN TOOTHBRUSH Nov. 10, 1931.

Filed Oct.

INVENTOR QEA/J'AM/NHGENN @uwmm ATTORNEY Patented Nov. 10, 1931 PATENT OFFICE BENJAMIN H. GEnN, or PITTSFIELCD, MASSACHUSETTS TOOTHIBRUSI-I Application filed October 5, 1929. Serial No. 397,611.

The invention relates to an improved tooth brush in which the brush or bristle holders are placed parallel to each other so that the brush or bristle portion of the toothbrush will set over the inner and outer sides of the teeth and the cleaningof the inner and outer sides of theteeth being done at one and the same time.

Another object of the invention is to provide a toothbrush of parallel brushes that will seat over the inner and outer portions of the teeth with means to hold the brushes against the teeth with a practically uniform pressure when the teeth are being cleaned.

Another object of the invention is to provide-a'toothbrush so constructed that the inner and outer portions of the gums may be massaged both at the same time while the teeth are being cleaned.

so A suitable embodiment of a means for carrying out the several purposes and obtaining the advantages of the invention, is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein Figure 1 is a plan view.

Figure 2 is a side view.

Figure 3 is a sectional view taken on th line 2-2 of Figure 1.

Figure 4 is a perspective view. Referring in detail to the drawings. the toothbrush consists of the handle 1, which may be of any preferred shape, and the handle is provided with parallel bristle holders 2. The bristle holders 2 may be constructed of any desired composition to hold the bristles 5 which are set therein. In the present embodiment of my invention I show a space 7 between the bristles 5 so that the brush may be inserted over the teeth, but this space 7 may be regulated in actual practice to any desired width. The length of the bristle holders 2 may also be regulated in actual practice to any desired length so: that the lower portions of the bristles 5 may be used to massage the gums. The lower forward ortion of the parallel bristle holders 2 may be curved upward, as indicated by the numeral 8, to fit the contour of the back of the upper teeth, or may be of any other desired shape.

shaped springs 3'which are imbedded and *moulded therein, and the said U shaped members are fastened to the toothbrush handle 1 by means of; cement, riveting or other means. The springs 3 are set into the handle 1 and made flush with the handle on the top and the sides so that there will be no projecting parts to protrude to injure the mouth. The springs 3 are constructed of non-corrosive resilient material, and in the present embodiment of my invention I show two springs 3 connecting the bristle holders to the handle 1, but it is obvious that my invention may be operated by the use of one or more springs, therefore I do not wish to limit myself to the exact construction.

The toothbrush handle 1 is provided with several rows of bristles 4- on the under side, which bristles may be used to clean the biting surface of the teeth when operating. the toothbrush.

In operating the toothbrush it is inserted over the teeth in such a manner that the teeth to be cleaned occupy the space 7, which space. is of less width than the thickness of the teeth, and the resiliency of the U shaped springs 3 will cause a practically uniform pressure to be exerted by the bristles 5 against the surface of the teeth when thev bristles 5 are moved up and down and back and forth across the teeth, and at the same time the gums may be massaged by causing the lower portions of the said bristles .to come in contact with the gums.

WVhat I claim is r 1. In combination a toothbrush with a handle, spaced parallel brush-heads, U shaped resilient members set into and secured to said handle and embedded in the said parallel brush-heads.

2. In combination a toothbrush with a handle, parallel brush-headsspaced apart and below the said handle, U shaped resilient members set into and secured to the said handle and embedded in the said parallel brush-heads.

In testimony whereofI afiiX my'signature.

. BENJAMIN H. FGENN. 

